In happier days
There are times when you stand and watch somethings wither and die before your eyes and you cannot do much. You accept the reality that you see as the truth. Oftentimes the truth is hidden deep below the surface, in the realm of the invisible and your faith is put to test.
For those who accept the reality of the seen/visible world as the only truth it becomes their truth. For those who believe in higher things of life and are willing to seek truth patiently, a truth that is beyond the visible realm comes to light. Those who wait hope, faith and patience are given a chance to see truth that the eyes can't see, the mind can't perceive.
Are you wondering what I am blabbering about? I am talking about the miracles of life. The moment a woman conceives you don't see the truth that a baby lives deep within. Even the woman doesn't know it right away. It takes time for her to see the signs, test and believe. For those outside it takes months to notice the changes that are happening. Truth is not always what is seen on the surface.
This pomegranate bush which was my joy for the last three years suddenly had a yellowing of leaves. I didn't think much of it, this sometimes happens to plants, I took it in my stride as there were some tiny shoot and tender leaves looking quite healthy. Then I saw the tender leaves and new shoots start to wither, dry and fall away. I was worried. I looked for pests, nothing was visible, I still sprayed neem oil and dish soap my go to pest control solution. Nothing happened, I didn't expect much to happen as there were no pests. I have rarely seen any pest on pomegranates except mealy bugs on the stem from which fruits hang.
I didn't take pictures of the dead branches, but look at the branch on the right to see what I mean
Worried I did some deep pruning to help the plant retain her strength and allow her to renew her strength. The branches started to dry and twigs were breaking with a crispness I see only in dead branches or trees. I was extremely sad. This was a bush which has constantly given me fruits all year through. Fruits that were deep red, sweet and juicy with that slight acidity that makes the juices in your mouth flow as you cut open the fruit.
I added a new layer of compost, reduced the watering. misted the branches once in a while to save her as if I was expecting a miracle. At one point the bush was so dry that it felt like it was time to replace the dead stuff in the container with a fresh looking plant that I had grown from one of its cuttings. I almost did that when I remembered the scripture, 'Death and life is in the power of the tongue'. Prov 18:21
I prayed over my plant and spoke life to it each day, I told her how much I loved her and enjoyed her fruits. I reminded her about the day brought her from the agricultural university when she was so small and how I cared for her and nurtured her. I just spoke words of love over her. I did not see any change. Life doesn't happen instantly I reminded myself. I cared for the dead twigs with love as if it were alive.
Months passed by (to be exact three months since I saw the sudden yellowing of leaves) and nothing happened. I scratched the branches with my nails to see signs of life, none showed up. I never gave up. Then I fell ill with a some upper respiratory tract infection and fever and didn't go up to my terrace garden for a few of days last week. The weather was cool and the plants didn't require much watering.
On Saturday last when I went up to the terrace, I ran to see my pomegranate bush and speak to her. I spoke as usual and then I was turning away I noticed some small bumps on the stems. A closer look revealed that these were tiny shoots appearing on the stems. I was overjoyed. All those words had wrought their magic on this dying bush. You may or may not believe it but I've seen this happen quite a few times in my garden.
Today the branches look at bit more greener. One branch which I thought would not survive now shows some budding on the stems. It may not cost much to replace a plant this size, perhaps it would cost me round $5-7 at the most. but the one you love cannot be replaced.
I have done this to a hibiscus plant once spoken life to it and it survived. Nonetheless you tend to forget the power of words. That is the last thing you remember as a gardener. I wanted to record this some where and rejoice over this event. What better place than Hive for a moment like this. In the past I would have written about it on Facebook, but now I rarely go there.
Thanks for reading, supporting and encouraging me here. I appreciate everyone who has supported me here on Hive. Thank you once again and have a lovely week.